The hotel giant, which franchises, leases, manages or owns more than 5,000 hotels in almost 100 countries, acquired the then 62-site US chain Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in January 2015.

In January this year, it announced that the first Kimpton hotel outside the US would launch in Amsterdam in 2017, and it was suggested that further expansion would follow.

Media enquiries at that point were directed to the company's US HQ, but the search for an agency is being handled by the parent firm's London office.

Emma Corcoran, vice-president, corporate affairs, Europe, at IHG, said: "It’s an exciting time for everyone at IHG as we get ready to take Kimpton global, with the first hotel outside of the Americas due to open in Amsterdam next year. So we’re looking for a PR partner to help us to launch the brand in Europe. Kimpton has a fantastic heritage in the US and is known for being bold and playful. The agency we choose will need to understand how special this brand is and help us push the boundaries in the luxury boutique market here in the region."